Author Topic: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers  (Read 91026 times)

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Mimi

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Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« on: May 22, 2012, 11:37:56 AM »
Elder Thurber is going to share with us more on beautiful hymns, this time through our own Seventh-day Adventist hymn writers. It will be a blessing!
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Elder John Thurber

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2012, 05:06:29 PM »
THE JUDGMENT IS SET

“For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:14
 
F. E. Belden                                                                                    F. E. Belden

1.  The Judgment has set, the books have been open;
     How shall we stand in that great day
     When every thought, and word, and action,
     God the righteous Judge, shall weigh?

2.  The work is begun with those who sleeping,
     Soon will the living here be tried,
     Out of the books of God’s remembrance,
     His decision to abide.

3.  O how shall we stand that moment of searching,
     When all our sins those books reveal?
     When from the court, each case decided,
     Shall be granted no appeal?
Refrain
     How shall we stand in that great day?
     How shall we stand in that great day?
     Shall we be found before Him wanting?
     Or with our sins all washed a-way?

When was the last time you have heard a sermon on the “Investigative” judgment? It began in 1844 and will end at the second advent of Christ, when He brings His reward with Him. Rev. 22:12, “to give every man according as his work shall be.”  Church Hymnal No. 416 
John Thurber 2012           


Elder John Thurber

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #2 on: May 23, 2012, 07:41:27 AM »
Adventist Hymn Writers

I am writing this note  to you to explain the reason for studying the words of  composers and writers of the Adventist faith. In our Church Hymnal I have found 30 songs  from the earliest to the latest writers.

The purpose is to learn the meaning of each hymn and how it speaks to your heart. Therefore each hymn will be important to your Spiritual life. So I have typed the words of the original poem before the music was scored.
You will be able to study the message to see what Doctrine or application  speaks to your heart.

There are many favorite hymns for all of us by many godly writers, yet there is something special in Adventist songs that  tie us to end time signs, and the coming of Christ. There is just a single page for each hymn, with the history of the inspiration behind the writing of the song.

I will be sending them at a rate of one a week,  You may copy them or use them anyway you would like.
God’s blessing to you: John Thurber           

Mimi

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #3 on: May 23, 2012, 07:48:43 AM »
What a blessing this will be, Elder Thurber. We so appreciate you sharing this knowledge with us.
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Richard Myers

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #4 on: May 23, 2012, 01:29:19 PM »
Thank you, Friend John!  I love that song.  We sing it in our family worship often.  It is "present truth".  Great hymns carry an important spiritual message.  This song has a message that many do not understand and many more have rejected. May God's Spirit use your message to touch the hearts of many who do not know, and to encourage those who do know, that soon the books will be opened to the pages with their names.

Looking forward to your weekly posts on our hymns. 
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Elder John Thurber

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #5 on: May 24, 2012, 11:07:40 AM »
Thank You Sybil and Richard, It is interesting how God has used the Word, the Spirit of Prophecy, and converted Adventist in music to preach and warn His church in these last days. friend John 

Richard Myers

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #6 on: May 24, 2012, 11:37:11 AM »
I am posting these messages on our homepage Remnant Online. org  also
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Elder John Thurber

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #7 on: May 27, 2012, 11:48:13 AM »
LOOK FOR THE WAYMARKS

“for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God  spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2Peter 1:21

F. E. Belden                                                                                    F. E. Belden

1.  Look for the waymarks as you journey on,
     Look for the waymarks, passing one by one;
     Down through the ages, past the kingdoms four
     Where are we standing? Look the waymarks o’er.

2.  First, the Assyrian kingdom ruled the world,
     Then Medo Persia’s ban-ners were un-furled;
     And after Greece held universal sway,
     Rome seized the scepter Where are we to-day

3.  Down in the feet of Iron and of clay,
     Weak and divided soon to pass a-way;
     What will the next great, glorious drama be?
     Christ and His coming, And eternity.
Refrain
     Look for the waymarks, the great prophetic waymarks,
     Down through the ages, pass the kingdoms four,
     Look for the waymarks, the great prophetic waymarks;
     The journey’s almost o’re.

This Hymn brings a lot of memories to me, for when the quartet recorded it Elder Richards sang the last refrain with us. Published in Hymns and tunes
1886, four scriptures were listed at the time of the hymn, namely:
Deuteronomy 29:29; Amos 3:7; 2Peter 1:21; Daniel 2:28.

There will be no pride, self, when we are going home with Jesus, let us pray each day to be safe to save. This hymn is No. 596 in the Church Hymnal
John Thurber 2012         


Carla Hepker

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #8 on: May 27, 2012, 11:53:18 AM »
I have always wondered why he said, "First the Assyrian kingdom ruled the world". I know that Neo-Babylon, the Babylon of Nebuchadnezzar had split off from the Assyrian kingdom, but I still find it strange that he didn't start with Babylon.

Elder John Thurber

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #9 on: May 28, 2012, 12:22:26 PM »
Thank you for the question
The hymn follows this interpretation, giving a succinct summary of world history from Assyria (or Babylon) to the future establishment of Christ’s everlasting kingdom. Page 552 or hymn No. 596 Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal

Elder John Thurber

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #10 on: May 29, 2012, 06:13:27 AM »
HOW FAR FROM HOME

“Watchman what of the night? The watchman said, the morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will inquire, inquire, ye: Return! Come. Back”
Isaiah 21: 11,12

Annie R. Smith 1828 - 1855

1.  How far from home? I asked, as on I bent my steps the watchman spake;
     The long dark night is almost gone, The morning soon will break.
     Then weep no more, but speed thy flight, With Hope’s bright star thy guiding ray,
     Till thou shalt reach the realms of light, In everlasting day.                 

2.  I asked the warrior on the field; This was his soul inspiring song:
     With courage, bold, the sword I’ll wield, The battle is not long.
     Then weep no more, but well endure The conflict, till thy work is done;
     For this we know, the prize is sure, When victory is won.

3.  I asked a-gain; earth, sea and sun Seemed with one voice, to make reply:
     Time’s wasting sands are nearly run, Eternity is nigh.
     Then weep no more with warning tones, Portentous signs are Thickening round,
     The whole creation, waiting, groans, to hear the trumpet sound.

4.  Not far from home! O blessed thought! The traveler’s lonely heart to cheer;
     Which oft a heal-ing balm has brought, And dried the mourner’s tear.
     Then weep no more, since we shall meet Where weary footsteps never roam                       
     Our trials past, our joys complete, Safe in our Father’s home.

Annie trained to be a teacher, In 1851, she received a letter from her mother inviting her to attend a meeting to be conducted by Joseph Bates just two miles from where she lived. She decided to please her mother. She dreamed that she did go, arrived late, sat near the door, and heard a sermon on the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14. On the evening of the actual
meeting she started in good time but missed the way, and her dream was fulfilled in every detail.
The preacher, Bates, also had a dream. In it he saw a young woman arrive late and sat by the door. This dream, of course, was fulfilled exactly. Bates was a Sabbath-keeping Adventist. Thenceforth she devoted her poetic talent to writing for the church paper, the Review and Herald. This hymn is No. 439 in the Church Hymnal - John Thurber 2012



Elder John Thurber

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #11 on: May 30, 2012, 11:18:24 AM »
I SAW ONE WEARY

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13

Annie Smith                                                                                 George Coles

1.  I saw one weary, sad and torn, With eager steps press on the way,
     Who long the hallowed cross had borne, Still looking for the promised day;
     While many a line of grief and care, upon hid brow was furrowed there;
     I asked what buoyed his spirits up, O this! said he “the blessed hope.”

2.  And one I saw, with sword and shield, Who boldly braved the world’s cold frown,
     And fought, unyielding, on the field, To win an everlasting crown.
     Though worn with toil, oppressed by foes, No murmur from the heart arose;
     I asked what buoyed his spirits up, “O this” said he “the blessed hope.”

3.  And there was one who left behind The cherished friends of early years,
     And honor, pleasure, wealth resigned, To tread the path bedewed with tears.
     Through trials deep and conflicts sore, Yet still a smile of joy he wore,
     I asked what buoyed his spirits up, “O this” said he “the blessed hope.”

4.  While pilgrims here we journey on in this dark vale of sin and gloom,
     Through tribulation, hate and scorn, Or through the portals of the tomb,
     Till our returning King shall come to take His exile captives home,
     O! what can buoy the spirits up? “Tis this alone the blessed hope.”

The first three stanzas of this hymn, written in 1852 refer to three outstanding personalities in the Seventh-day Adventist church. The first stanza is Joseph Bates. He was a sea captain who gave all his wealth to the promulgation of the gospel of the imminent second advent of Christ.
The second stanza James White, the virtual leader by pen and voice of the church in its early struggles. Facing poverty, incessant labor, fanaticism, and other hardships, his courage remained steadfast because of his firm hope in the second advent of Christ. He and his wife, Ellen, pioneered the development of the church against much opposition.
The third stanza refers to John Andrews,  the first missionary sent from America to
Europe. At the time of the writing, he was not so well known.
Annie’s mother Rebekah, also felt that the third stanza also fit the true experience of Annie’s short life of pain and trial. S.D.A. Hymnal No.441 - John Thurber 2012
It is agreed that the fourth stanza refers to the experience of church members at large. Without a doubt, the “Blessed Hope” should buoy up the spirits of all who claim the name Seventh-day Adventist.  -  John Thurber 2012


Richard Myers

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #12 on: May 30, 2012, 02:31:22 PM »
HOW FAR FROM HOME

“Watchman what of the night? The watchman said, the morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will inquire, inquire, ye: Return! Come. Back”
Isaiah 21: 11,12

Annie R. Smith 1828 - 1855

1.  How far from home? I asked, as on I bent my steps the watchman spake;
     The long dark night is almost gone, The morning soon will break.
     Then weep no more, but speed thy flight, With Hope’s bright star thy guiding ray,
     Till thou shalt reach the realms of light, In everlasting day.                 

2.  I asked the warrior on the field; This was his soul inspiring song:
     With courage, bold, the sword I’ll wield, The battle is not long.
     Then weep no more, but well endure The conflict, till thy work is done;
     For this we know, the prize is sure, When victory is won.

3.  I asked a-gain; earth, sea and sun Seemed with one voice, to make reply:
     Time’s wasting sands are nearly run, Eternity is nigh.
     Then weep no more with warning tones, Portentous signs are Thickening round,
     The whole creation, waiting, groans, to hear the trumpet sound.

4.  Not far from home! O blessed thought! The traveler’s lonely heart to cheer;
     Which oft a heal-ing balm has brought, And dried the mourner’s tear.
     Then weep no more, since we shall meet Where weary footsteps never roam                       
     Our trials past, our joys complete, Safe in our Father’s home.

Annie trained to be a teacher, In 1851, she received a letter from her mother inviting her to attend a meeting to be conducted by Joseph Bates just two miles from where she lived. She decided to please her mother. She dreamed that she did go, arrived late, sat near the door, and heard a sermon on the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14. On the evening of the actual
meeting she started in good time but missed the way, and her dream was fulfilled in every detail.
The preacher, Bates, also had a dream. In it he saw a young woman arrive late and sat by the door. This dream, of course, was fulfilled exactly. Bates was a Sabbath-keeping Adventist. Thenceforth she devoted her poetic talent to writing for the church paper, the Review and Herald. This hymn is No. 439 in the Church Hymnal - John Thurber 2012

How interesting!!  This is one of my favorite hymns that we also sing during  family worship. I have gotten into the habit of changing one word, am always reminded it is not correct.  The very last word in the song, from "home" to "arms".   :)

Thank you, Friend John for sharing!
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Elder John Thurber

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #13 on: May 30, 2012, 02:56:23 PM »
Richard I can see why you might use the word arms We all long to be in the Savior's arms what a day that will be. I pray all of our children along with us will have that joy soon. Even so come Lord Jesus. AMEN

Mimi

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #14 on: May 30, 2012, 05:24:29 PM »
Even so come Lord Jesus. AMEN

Amen! Amen!
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Mimi

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #15 on: May 31, 2012, 03:41:50 PM »
I love this! Keep them coming, Elder Thurber! What an education this is!
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #16 on: May 31, 2012, 03:52:16 PM »
LONG UPON THE MOUNTAINS

“As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep and deliver them fro all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day. Ezekiel 34:12

Annie R. Smith                                                                                           Jean J. Rousseau

1.  Long upon the mountains weary, Have the scattered flock been torn;
     Dark the desert paths, and dreary; Grievous trials have they borne.
     Now the gathering call is sounding, Solemn in its warning voice;
     Union, faith, and love, abounding, Bid the little flock rejoice.

2.  Now the light of truth they’re seeking, In its onward track pursue;
     All the ten commandments keeping, They are holy, just, and true.
     On the words of life they’re feeding, Precious to their taste so sweet;
     All theie Master’s precepts heeding, Bowing humbly at His feet.

3.  In that light of light and beauty, In that golden city fair,
     Soon Its pearly gates they’ll enter, And of all the glories share,
     There, di-vine the soul’s expansions; Free from sin, and death, and pain;
     Tears will nec-er dim those mansions where the saints immortal reign.

4.  Soon He comes! With clouds desending; All saints, entombed arise;
     The redeemed, in anthems blending, Shout their vict’ry thro’ the skies.
     O, we long for Thine appearing; O Savior, quickly come!
     Blessed hope! Our Spirits cheering, Take Thy ransomed children home.

Annie Smith wrote this hymn to describe the experience of the early Seventh-day Adventist, and encourage their hearts by hope of the second  coming of the Great Shepherd to gather His flock. It appeared in the Review and Herald of December 9, 1851 with the heading from Ezekiel 34:12 “So will I seek out My sheep, and will deliver out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.”
This hymn was sung at the first General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, held at Battle Creek Michigan, on May 20, 1863 It has been in seven previous SDA hymnals.

Still very much up to date as this generation looks for His soon return
Found in S. D. A. Hymnal No. 447 - John Thurber 2012     


Mimi

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #17 on: May 31, 2012, 05:04:25 PM »
I do not know this song, so to the hymnal I go!
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89 

Elder John Thurber

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #18 on: June 01, 2012, 08:19:15 AM »
Sybil, you will learn to love it.

Mimi

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Re: Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Writers
« Reply #19 on: June 01, 2012, 08:35:55 AM »
I'm sure I will! Thank you, elder brother!
  For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:89